Calm End to Messi's India Tour Following Unrest in Kolkata

Soccer legend Lionel Messi has concluded his multi-day India tour in hazy Delhi, in the wake of a chaotic opening in Kolkata.

On Monday, thousands of fans gathered in a Delhi stadium to catch a sight of the Argentinian and Inter Miami attacker.

As Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami colleagues Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, entered the pitch – sending balls into the stands, playing with a group of children, and signing autographs – the crowd shouted his name.

His flight from Mumbai had been postponed due to fog, sources indicated, and his agenda had to be shortened. On Saturday, angry fans wrecked a Kolkata stadium because they were unable to view him during his visit there.

An Intense Agenda Across Several Metropolises

Messi had a busy schedule in India, taking part in a string of promotional events in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai since arriving in the wee hours of Saturday.

Before heading to Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium later that day, he virtually unveiled a 70ft (21m) statue of himself, assembled over 27 days by a 45-strong crew in the eastern city.

Disastrous Beginning in Football-Crazy Kolkata

The tour, however, began with a chaotic start after angry fans ripped up seats and threw items towards the pitch at the stadium.

Football is hugely popular in West Bengal state – of which Kolkata is the capital – and thousands of devoted supporters had forked out up to 12,000 rupees to be at the event.

However, the majority were unable to catch a glimpse of him as he was surrounded by officials and celebrities on his short walk around the stadium and then hurriedly escorted away as the situation became tense.

"Inept organization of a highly anticipated event, disorganization" and security lapses turned the stadium into a "scene of chaos", as fans – denied even a glimpse of Messi – "expressed their fury by resorting to violence."

The disturbance, which made international headlines, marred Messi's first visit to India since 2011 for what has been termed a 'GOAT [greatest of all time] tour'.

The event organiser in Kolkata has been arrested, police said, and a city court has remanded Satadru Dutta to 14 days in custody.

Smooth Engagements in Hyderabad and Mumbai

Messi's appearances in Hyderabad and Mumbai passed off smoothly, with fans sharing their delight at seeing the world-famous star on social media and in media interviews.

Messi also had meetings with several politicians and celebrities – Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan in Kolkata, political figure Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai.

In between these engagements, Messi could be seen greeting large fan crowds in stadiums and playing football with groups of children.

There were reports earlier that Messi would have a meeting with Narendra Modi in Delhi, but the Indian prime minister departed on Monday morning on a planned visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman.

The Source of His Great Fame in India

Messi's fame is due to more than his lengthy international career and broad TV coverage of European football – he's the highest goal-getter for Barcelona – but also the strong affinity that millions of Indians have with what is often called the beautiful game.